Relative baby name

[robin441]

Hi. So my sister-in-law (husband’s sister) is due to have a baby in August. I’m not the biggest fan of my SIL. She is the youngest and only girl of 5. She’s treated like a princess and expects it. Baby sitters on tap and her daughter is also treated like a princess by my mother in law and is clearly the favourite (all of my other in laws and partner agree). Anyway, she’s having a girl. I have 2 children myself, Bonnie being my youngest (18mo). The SIL is open with names of her up coming baby, like she was with the last one. She is calling her daughter Connie. My husband is not very happy about this being how close it is to Bonnie. I’m not sure if I am happy either. It’s basically Bonnie with a C. And we all know that this future baby is going to be princess #2 and I just don’t want any light to be taken away from my Bonnie. I know I can’t obviously tell someone what to call their child but can I voice my feelings?

No.

Of course you can't!
Aside from the fact they're two different names, you can't tell someone what not to call their child.

My DC has one letter difference to my sister's DC's name (think Molly and Holly), no one batted an eyelid.

You can't stop her calling her bang whatever she wants to. Even if it was Bonnie.

Connie is not Bonnie with a C 🙄. It's a stand alone name she's entitled to use.

youll look like a right idiot if you say anything ' it won't get you anywhere.

if your DH is actually bothered (not just saying so to keep you happy) HE can speak to his sister.

It's a completely different name. It's a lovely name, I really like it.
You're letting your dislike of her get in the way of logic.
Stay schtum.

Leave them to it. None of your business.

What did any of that background have to do with your “problem”? Just added so we’ll see her as a problem and be more likely to be in your side?

And, no, you cannot voice your feelings.

If you're worried your daughter won't get any spotlight from your mother-in-law, why can't you take your daughter to spend time with your mother? Does your children really need spotlight from their in-laws grandparents? Just give them spotlight from you and your husband.

Sorry you are being ridiculous.

I'm sorry you're feeling this way. I understand why but it's not really to do with the name. If your daughter got a lot of attention already it wouldn't matter to you. Unfortunately you're not going to be able to change your MILs behaviour to value your family more. Probably would be better to invest in some therapy for yourself and your husband, and decide what level of contact you're ok with. Always tough when there are obvious favourites in the family, but voicing your opinion on the name isn't going to change that.

You are not being ridiculous @robin441 . I like the name Connie, but it is a bit similar to Bonnie.

My X'SIL' was the only girl in a houseful of boys, and she was to be treated as a princess at all times. X'MIL' treated me like a servant.

The reason I opened this thread was to see if it was full of names like:
Sonny
Grania
Grant
Patrick
A(u)ntonia/A(u)nthony
Maria
Martin
Broderick
Isis
Silvia
Billy

Whilst I do think it's silly for her to pick a name which rhymes with her niece/her baby's cousin's name, you can't stop her from using it and would appear unhinged for trying.

I don't understand why the background was necessary, as it adds nothing to the story other than to illustrate that you don't like her.

From what you've said, the light is being taken away from your Bonnie anyway due to your SIL and her daughters being favoured (in your opinion). Them having rhyming names will have nothing to do with that. It's not like it won't happen if they call her something else, so what would you have to gain from saying anything other than causing an unnecessary family argument?

Her being called Connie will have no impact on your daughter - if her daughters are the favourites, they will be regardless of names.

I hope it’s not really Bonnie/Connie - both lovely names but surely quite identifiable with that history.